“Can you tell me about yourself?”
For a while I thought this job interview question was an open invitation to give employers as much information about me as possible. Not the case, as I discovered after numerous blank stares and "We'll call you" responses. I changed my approach and started getting better results.
Generally speaking, you want to focus on three things:
- Job skills--what work skills you have gained
- Work experience--what work experience you have
- Time--how long you have been using your job skills
Most job interviews start with the question, "Can you tell me about yourself?" But how you answer this question is just as important as your answer. Here are three tips for how to answer this question and leave your employers wanting more.
- Be concise: I've made the mistake of yammering away about all my work experience and caught my interviewer's eyes glazing over as I talked. Employers want the movie trailer version of your resume, not the whole feature film. Keep it short and sweet. Pick the three most important things you would like to communicate about yourself and your work experience. If you do it right, the employers will be intrigued by something you said and will ask follow-up questions. When this happens, you have them hooked on wanting to hear more.
- Be excited: Sticking with the movie theme, when you see a boring movie trailer, do you want to go see that film? Me neither. Try discussing the parts of your work experience that excite you. When you talk about topics that get you animated, most employers will notice and appreciate your energy.
- Be relevant: You have about two minutes to answer this question and wow your employer. Only discuss topics that are relevant to the job for which you are applying.
Answering this question well can set the tone for the rest of the interview and compel the interviewers to want to know more.
About Justin Ihara
I love this site, I find a lot of help, with my job search, and I am thankful for people that really care enough to devote so much of their time to helping the rest of us return to work.
I’m glad we can be of service to you and your job search, Vivian! Please keep us posted on your job search. Good luck!
I agree with yuu (: that was nice.
I have applied for a position at Kohls. When I answer all their questions, I am not considered. I do not know what to answer when they ask ask about planning ahead and sticking to what you are doing and finish or be able to do multiple tasks quickly. I have been in retail for ten years and managed a store for for eight off those years. I thought I would be a good candidate. Any suggestions?
Thank you,
Paula Assad
I would call and ask them what it was that they would recommend? Is there something you could do to improve your chances. Always make a follw up call. It shows you are truley interested. I have done alot of those questions and it seems they are there to trick and confuse you. Just do your best and then bug the heck out of them.
I worked for Kohl’s for over 15 years. I helped with countless interviews. The easiest thing to do is go to the store you wish to work and speak directly to the management team. Make sure they review your application in front of you. In my experience with Kohl’s, the online questionaire isn’t really considered at a store level for employment.
Having been a Career Consultant for more than 10 years, I would say that this is excellent advice. Too often job seekers fall into the trap of talking too much. Remember, you have two ears and one mouth… use them accordingly.
Thanks for the tip, Anne!
Good advice. thanks. Mary
This is the hardest question for me in any interview. This is the best answer I have ever seen. Thanks so much. Keep those tips coming!
Happy to be of service to you, Ginger. Please keep us posted on how your job search is going and let us know if you have any questions or find success! Good luck!
Hi!
I applied for 3 jobs or more no body call me yet. I know is a lot a people applying.,
Waht I am concern is The JCpenny aplication ask you for you SSN cut me of guard and answer the question put me SSN know I am worrie they don’t supposed to ask you for that. I hope mothing happen.
Hi Ruby,
You’ll probably need to apply to a lot more jobs than 3 – the market is pretty tough and even with a great application sometimes it can take awhile for a hiring manager to find you as the perfect fit for their job. I’m not sure I understand the second part of your question – if JC Penny asked for your SSN on their secure application though you should be fine! I would recommend having a friend or family member help you check over your application before you submit them; spelling and grammar mistakes can make hiring managers overlook your application. Good luck!
I have a very similar situation as Paula Asad’s. Very qualified, but not chosen. Would definitely like to know how you answered her…
What about these assessment test that employers are having us take ? If you answer them honestly you won’t get called, so do they only want to interview liars or what ?
Hi David, check out this article: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/the-right-answer-to-assessment-questions/ You shouldn’t be dishonest on assessments because it’s likely that neither you or the employer will be very happy with the way the job fits for you, but what you should do is read the questions carefully – many times I’ve seen people give a quick answer that was incorrect because they didn’t read the questions all the way through or misinterpreted the question.
I applied at Kohl’s and was told I did not fit in with their application process. I answered everything in a positive manner and even had retail experience and supervised others. I sincerely believe it was “age” related. As soon as they ssee your birth date and if they don’t ask for yur birthdate, they ask what year you graduated – DUH! They would dfo well to give an older worker a change because lots of times they can work rings around a younger worker. I haave even been office manager/bookkeeper and so where would I not fit kn? You tell me. I used to shop a lot at Kohl’s but I will find another store instead of shopping there.
I have applied at Kohl’s, JC Penny, Macy, dillards, no one will hire me, You are right about the age thing, but I go to those stores and I see women older then me who can’t even run the register takes them forever to ring you out… I too was an office manager./bookeeper , but I give up trying for those jobs they will not hire you if you are over 55, you have to be 22 and a size 2 to get those jobs now with 20 years college behind you,,,whatever. So here I am 62 I had to file for Social Security cause the unemployment is up and no money, I guess us old folks are doomed ha ha…But I keep trying..I went thru 4 different interviews with Giant Eagle and they rejected me..I do not shop there any longer…Good luck to you all.
Cheryl:
Don’t just apply, go back and check in with them.
Also, offer to come in and help with a promo or be a greeter…..
And call Giant Eagle back and ASK them what you could have done different, it sounds like you were close.
Peggy McKee
CEO Career Confidential
http://careerconfidential.com/how-to-redo-your-resume-if-you-have-20-years-of-experience/
ok im 43 and looking for a job! its so hard becaus eall everybody wants is like somebody 20 that shows half her body off1 its just not fair!
I appreciate this young fellows input he helped me temendously I am an older worker and love to get input on how to interview from employers ,I would love to here more from this web site so tell more please.
Why is it that snagajob is always sending me jobs that have already expired? I have had one response back since, I have been with snagajob and thats because I forgot to take the assessment part and when I did take it . No, nothing from anyone after that. I am trying to stay positive but, it is pretty hard to do when you are constantly receiving negative vibes.
Hi Donna, are you clicking on job links that say they’ve expired? If so, we update our listings as quickly as possible so that you don’t apply to opportunities that aren’t currently available, that may be what you’ve encountered.
Donna is correct! I spent an hour filling out an application for a job sent to me by Snagajob, a job that seemed to be tailor fit for me. After sending, I was informed the job was closed. Very annoying!
Do you have Express Professional Employment in your area? If so, give them a try. I’m 69 and done pretty good with them as I work for Express who contracts with the employers. Express pays us weekly!
I am 17 and looking for my first job. Since I have no work experience what so ever a lot of employeers wont even look at my application. Also, I do not drive, or have a state ID, thus it makes it hard to get to and from a job. How should I answer this question?
Any advice?
Thank you.
Hi Ashley, first, volunteer experience can help you get a job:
How can I get experience? http://www.snagajob.com/resources/volunteering-it-does-a-job-search-good/
If you’re looking for a job without transportation, look for something within walking distance, or on a public transportation line. When someone asks you to tell them about you, focus on the things that make you a GREAT employee. Energy? Enthusiasm? A desire to learn? Figure it out, and be ready to make a great impression.
Why does this site have so many non-existent fake jobs posted?
Word is spreading and people are beginning to turn away from your site. You may want to consider starting another fake site so you can keep those self serving revenues up.
I think a number of these retail outlets collect resumes so when an employee quits, gets let go, or dies, they have an ample supply. Yes, I think a number of them list for openings, but they really don’t have any at the time. Also, those written assessment exams are B.S. How many times have I been in these large retail operations and a good number of the employees are lame and you wonder how they made it in there. If a company has openings listed all the time, the turn over rate is high and you probably would not want to work for them anyway.
I agree with your assessment. One job I clicked on specifically said on their website that the position may not be open presently, they continually accept applications so that when an opening comes up they can hire quickly.
I agree with Jax, most of these jobs do not exist. I’ve actually gone to and called these places,and they have nothing available.
I know that can be frustrating. This article might answer some questions about that http://www.snagajob.com/resources/why-is-there-a-job-posted-if-theyre-not-hiring/
Alot of the jobs are in other cities. I would like to see more jobs posted in the District.
Thank you for your feedback Shelinda! What area – DC?
I have noticed the absolute non-advice to the let down on kohls applications. I have also applied with kohls and as soon as the application ends it tells me I am not a candifat. I also have retail experience and answer honestly. It would be nice to have some advice concerning kohls application process. Also, I have heard for every 10 applications you should have at least 1 inerview, what do you think about that? For me it has been more like every 50-100 before I get called and I can have an awesome interview, wher one guy even said he would give me the job if it were for his store in another town, said he would give a recomendation and I never heard back. What do you do when almost every interview you get goes pretty much the same way?
I’m sorry to hear that, Vivian. It sounds you can nail the interview so it seems like the issue is getting the interview (you’re not alone!). I don’t think there’s a formula or set ratio for applications to interviews. I wish there were because it would make the job search process a lot easier for everyone. Fortunately there are a number of factors that can lead to getting more interviews. Make sure your applications are free of errors and remember to follow up with the employer after you apply for the position. Just doing these two things can help increase your chances of getting called in for an interview. Look over these other tips and see if you are missing anything http://www.snagajob.com/resources/how-to-get-an-interview/
Cadidate*
I just had the same thing happen at kohls that you other folks had. I’ve had 24 years sales experience and said I would work M-S all times and still got turned down! I called the store listed and they said there were no openings. Snagajob…..you’re losing credibility!
Hi Cindy – I know that can be frustrating. Many companies have unpredictable hiring needs and continuously accept applications in anticipation of a large need. Do not give up on these applications, we hear from members who get hired weeks, even months, after applying. Check out Julie’s story for more inspiration: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/why-is-there-a-job-posted-if-theyre-not-hiring/.
How do you get past the part of being over qualified? When I graduated from college in 2007 and applying for work I got that alot from employers and again in 2009 when I was laid off from my job.
Great question, Cameron. Take a look at these tips and see if you might be able to change your approach http://www.snagajob.com/resources/being-overqualified/
over qualified means they have to pay you more. trust me if they didnt have to pay more you would have been hired.
I’ve been in the banking industry for 15 years, collecting 30-90 past due accounts, then moved up to collecting from big companies. I always had one of the highest percentage rates for each month and received bonuses because of that. I divorced my husband last year, and moved back to the town I was raised in, and now am a just a teller at a bank here in my home town, and making lots less money. Can you give me information on how to find a better job here in my hometown, Fernandina, , or the next town, Yulee, or in Jacksonville, FL I would appreciate it very much as tellers do not make much money, and my ex somehow only has to pay me a small amount of money for 2 yrs, which means only 1 more year, and I am desperate for a job with a bank, or any collections department that pays better than a tellers pay.
Have any suggestions for a female over 60 for employment? With excellent work ethics. NO health issues. Experience in sales and customer service. Receive very few responds when I do apply for jobs on your web site. Good looking web site/well arranged.
Hi Charlotte! I’m glad you like the website! Perhaps you might find these job search tips helpful to you http://www.snagajob.com/resources/being-overqualified/
HI , MY NAME IS CYNTHIA KNOX I’M LOOKING FOR SOMETHING IN UNION CITY GA..IM A GOOD HARD WORKING WOMEN JUST GIVE ME AN CHANCE………THANK YOU ..
Hi Cynthia! You probably won’t have employers contact you from this blog. Check out http://www.snagajob.com to search for jobs in Union City. Good luck with your job search! These tips can help: http://tinyurl.com/76fzuze & http://tinyurl.com/7j8pgkd.
Did you read About Justin Ihara. He states that he’s a troublemaker and I TOTALLY UNDERSTAND WHY A COMPANY WOULD HIRE THAT TYPE OF PERSON.
This article has some good tips. However, I Have looked for a job since I was 16. I am now almost 18. So what would I say to an employer if I have no job experience?
Hi Caitlin! Great question. We actually just made a video on this that I think can help you: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/video-series-no-experience/. Check it out and let me know what you think!
what about posting jobs for relocation…….never see anything like that on job sites….
many jobs outside nnj…..like fl….for instance…..
Hi Gayle – Looking for a job in another area can be tricky. Your best bet would be to explain in a cover letter that you are planning on moving to the area, and can be available when they need you.
hey this site works man.. i signed up for it and i began applying..shortens application time and guess wat?!? was hired two days later. i now make 18 dollars an hour and im only 22. talk about a good start huh? thank you so much snagajob team!
That’s fantastic!! Congratulations
. You have completely made my day! Hope you’ll share your story – http://www.snagajob.com/resources/share-your-story/ We love to celebrate success- http://www.snagajob.com/resources/tags/i-got-hired.
Hi! I’m actually here for some advice. I currently work at Jewel Osco right now (Cashier/Bagger, Part-time). I’m looking for a new job. I have a Learning Disability. I am also currently struggling with scoliosis. I tell them that I do (both), but they won’t hire me because of it (at least that’s what I think.) I have had several interviews before. What jobs would you recommend to a girl like me? I’m short and light weight also so I can’t do a lot of heavy lifting and I can’t reach high places.
Thanks so much for the help!
Hi ! My job is Threading. I do very good job. I have some customers, but I need more customers, maybe I may get another job, do part time, I want to get help from you, if you may. Thanks!
Hi Kim,
how do you up load a resume ? I have never needed a resume . I worked at my last job for eight years, and the two jobs before that ,I eached worked four years apeace. All you had to do was say where you worked last and how long. that was your integrety, and that was also your interview.This online crap looking for a job makes you frustrated and then angry.Tehn they have the gall to say ” If your resume isnt perfect the RESUME EDITER will simply deleat it!!!! Are they looking for workers or English majores?
Hi Joe! Check out this article: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/resumes-101/ it really does a great job of breaking down resumes. Let me know if you have any questions!
Hello, please stop sending me job announcement that is not in my industry. I don’t want any junk mail or calls from any university, I’m not interested in going back to school.
Hi Linda! The emails are sent based on your location. To do an industry search, use our keyword search tool: http://www.snagajob.com/job-search. Also, if you accidentally opted in to get calls from our education partners, ask to be put on the do not call list the next time they call and it should stop. Let me know if you have any questions!
Thank you Kim! I have an interview with Macy’s, is been a while since I’ve attended an interview. What kind of clothing I should wear for this company? Because I am now on the other side of the fence.
That’s great, Linda! Keep it clean and professional. I’ve put together some examples here: http://pinterest.com/snagajob/interview-outfits-for-women/. I’m excited for you, let me know how it goes
.
Had a question i have been a stay at home dad for about 9 yrs while wife was working … But it ended as she cant work now because of a illness so time for me to get a job but i cant seem to remember all my past employment history dates and so on for job apps. What can i do ?
Hi Chris! You can simply put down the years, or months, in which you worked at that location. If they need specific starting and ending dates, try contacting your old employers. When you do apply, explain that you were a stay at home dad and you are ready to get back into the working field. Check out this article: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/how-to-overcome-gaps-of-unemployment-2/ where a recruiter gives you some great advice on how to bridge employment gaps. Good luck and let me know if you have any other questions!
Thanks,
I like it! Where can I buy it?
Hi, I just started putting my applications in at snagajob last week. Applied to 3 and I have an interview tomorrow and I’m so excited but nervous,so I cant sleep and I am reading all ure comments,they are all very helpful. It’s been years? lol,wont say how many,but I have a great feeling that this site is going to get me the job I want. Thanks to all and I’ll let u know what happens!!
Hi Kathlee! It’s great you got an interview
. Check out all our interview advice here: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/interview-tips/ and please let us know how it goes. Good luck!
looking for career in Real Estate developer company
I really need some help here. I have been out of high school for about half a year and would like to get a job sometime soon. I have done some research on the internet and found out that the employers and human resources can really rip you off. I assume the hardest part of finding a job is the part after you submit your application. Really, what exactly happens right after I submit my application in paper and online? Also, how long does the getting a job process usually take?
Hi Zachary! After you submit your application, your next step would be to follow up on your application. Check out this video: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/video-how-to-follow-up/ where we break it down for you
.
Hi Ashley,
I interviewed and worked with alot of school age employees while I was working in retail.
Amy mentioned volunteering, she is right! Your old elementary school, is it close enough to walk where you can help with tutoring? How about your local sports leagues, they often have programs for referees, they teach you and you get paid a small sum, games are mostly on weekends and perhaps your parents can drive you to and from games.
Also don’t rule out friends and family members who may own a business or know of a job where they currently work. Don’t emphasize your lack of transportation, try to figure that part out before you apply to places, they just want someone who is reliable and can get there on time.
Well the last week I’ve been getting the opps there was a problem getting your request long story short ive bern unable to fill out applications
Hi Nina! Please contact our Support Team: http://www.snagajob.com/contact and they can get you set up.
i ned job security and + cooking now i am working iraq 2 years security and 2 years cheep